Health and Safety

It is my policy to promote and ensure the good health and safety of children in my care in line with the requirements laid out in the EYFS Framework, by the Health and Safety Executive and any Department for Education guidance.

Procedure (how I put the statement into practice)

Safety and suitability of premises, environment and equipment

I operate an arrival and departure routine from the gate to the side of the building into the garden area.

Parents are welcome to discuss any aspects of health and safety directly to me and or please contact me via What’s App to arrange a meeting.

In order to ensure children’s safety in my setting I have a range of safety equipment e.g. stair gates, video entry systems, outside CCTV camera’s which are regularly checked to ensure they are in good repair.

My smoke alarms are tested regularly and fire drills are carried out and recorded. I have a fire blanket in my kitchen and children and parents are aware of my emergency evacuation procedure. I have a plan of my setting at my entrance and fire exits are clearly marked on this.

My premises are secure to ensure children’s safety and prevent intruders and I have a procedure for checking the identity of essential visitors e.g. Ofsted Inspectors. All visitors on my premises must sanitise their hands on entry and during the visit and wear a face covering.

I will ensure that I take all reasonable steps to ensure any staff and children in my care are not exposed to risks and I will demonstrate how I manage risk.

My risk assessments will identify aspects of the environment that need to be checked on a regular basis, when and by whom these aspects will be checked and how I will remove or minimise the risk

All equipment used in my childminding business is regularly checked for damage and wear and tear and replaced when necessary, for example high chairs, buggies, cots.

My car is regularly serviced has an up to date MOT and is insured for business use

All car seats are checked regularly and used correctly in accordance with the government rules www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules. Children will be measured to ensure the car seat is of the correct dimensions for them.

All gardening equipment is locked in the shed and dangerous plants have been removed.

I hold a current paediatric first aid certificate.

Health

I encourage children to learn about good hygiene by promoting regular hand washing and not to touch mouth, eyes and nose where possible. I have a hand washing procedure where children will be supported to wash their hands for 20 seconds on arrival at the setting, after coughing or sneezing, before eating or any individual food preparation, after touching any pets, after using the toilet. I have hand paper towels in the toilet for safe disposal.

I promote good oral health by reading the children books and also have associated resorses.

Bins will be regularly emptied and cleaned.

I will ensure good ventilation by opening windows. I do have a clean air monitor in the main children’s area.

When providing meals and snacks children are encouraged to make healthy choices and the benefits of an active lifestyle are promoted, e.g. access to outdoor play daily. I am aware of the Chief Medical Officer’s guidance on physical activity.

Regular disinfecting of all surfaces takes place following the Government guidance.

Baby changing mats are cleaned and sanitised after each use.

I have registered with my local environmental health department, and ensure correct storage, hygiene of food preparation areas and preparation of food procedures are carried out.

My cat is kept away from food preparation areas and their food bowls are out of reach of children. My cat is regularly vaccinated and up to date with worming and flea treatment

All areas accessible to children, including toys, play mats and equipment are regularly cleaned, disinfected and checked for damage A risk assessment has been carried out to identify toys that may pose the greatest risk, and steps have been taken to minimise that risk.

Personal protective equipment will be used in the following situations e.g. sudden onset of illness which involves bodily fluids (vomit, diarrhoea), Covid 19].

This policy links with my accident and emergency procedures, illness, risk assessment, no smoking and outings policies. Please refer to these policies for further information.

Last updated May 2022 BACK TO POLICIES